Subtract 15/18 from 42/72
42/72 - 15/18 is -1/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 18 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
42/72 = 42 × 1/72 × 1 = 42/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
15/18 = 15 × 4/18 × 4 = 60/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/72 - 60/72 = 42 - 60/72 = -18/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/4
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